We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rozhina Rajabloo a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Rozhina, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on was in 2023: Music for a Cause. This project beautifully merged music with a greater purpose, making it an unforgettable experience. It all began with forming my band in Slovakia. We met each other just 20 days before our performance. Still, despite the limited time, we were united by a shared goal: every penny we raised would go to a nonprofit organization supporting child laborers. The concert wasn’t just about fundraising. It aimed to raise awareness and inspire thought among the audience.

Music has always been more than just an art form for me; it’s a tool for creating a broader impact. It holds transformative power, especially when combined with emotions, knowledge, and a meaningful cause. For me, music acts as an amplifier, a means to contribute to positive change, even in small ways.

When I learned about this organization and its mission to provide children with access to education and better living conditions, I knew I had to act. This project allowed me to align my passion for music with a cause I deeply care about, giving my art a purpose beyond performance. It was a reminder of how music can inspire change and connect people to something bigger than themselves. This experience continues to fuel my drive to explore how music can make a difference.

Rozhina, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My journey in music began at the age of five when I started learning the violin. However, it wasn’t my favorite instrument, and a few years later, I transitioned to piano and eventually discovered my love for singing. While my academic focus during high school was mathematics, music remained a constant passion. I balanced my studies with musical activities, performing and collaborating with various bands.

In 2022, a significant shift occurred when my family and I decided I would complete the final two years of high school in Slovakia. This move gave me the freedom to embrace my musical aspirations. I formed my band, performing at venues across Bratislava and even in the Czech Republic. These performances were not just milestones for our artistic growth but also opportunities to contribute to meaningful causes, such as debuting my original compositions and raising funds for charity.

Although I still was not formally studying music in Slovakia and my academic focus included subjects like Calculus, Psychology, and Economics, I began to immerse myself more deeply in the musical world. Meeting peers attending music schools inspired me to pursue my dream of studying music at the university level. It was a bold step, as I was the only student from my high school applying to music programs, but I received great support from my teachers, who, despite not being specialized in music, did their best to help and even connected me with those who could guide me further.

A defining moment in my journey was my acceptance to Berklee College of Music. This marked the beginning of my full commitment to music.
While I started as a singer-songwriter, my path continues to evolve as I explore new dimensions of my craft and push beyond my limitations and I seek to try new things every day.

What sets me apart is my commitment to using my music and performances to make a difference. I’ve always aimed to build connections and inspire change, whether by evoking powerful emotions through my songs or supporting causes close to my heart. Combining my love for music with a greater purpose beyond myself is something I take great pride in. I’m excited to continue my journey, learning, growing, and making a meaningful contribution to the world through my art.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn was my mindset about practicing. I used to rely on last-minute effort, and for a long time, it worked. In school, I wouldn’t study all year, and then cram the night before finals—and somehow, I’d still succeed, leaving my classmates amazed. I carried that same approach to music. I could compress a week’s worth of practice into two hours and still meet my teachers’ expectations.

But this method worked until it didn’t.

When I chose music as my main path, I realized how much more I could achieve if I practiced consistently, like a dedicated musician. Because I was so used to getting by with minimal effort, I settled for “good enough” instead of pushing for my best. I remember my music tutor telling me and my parents when I was 13: “Your talent is helping you now, but it won’t be enough. The world values effort more than talent, and hard work will make the real difference.” At the time, I didn’t truly understand the importance of what he said, but he was right.

Looking back, I wish I had understood this sooner. Because I was used to things coming easily, I didn’t push myself the way I should have. Unlearning this mindset was difficult but necessary. Now, I hope my story can help others realize that talent can open doors, but real growth only comes from dedication and persistence.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

I was studying at a specialized high school in Iran, where the expectation for many families is for their children to pursue careers in engineering or medicine. These schools are highly competitive, with national exams selecting a limited number of students each year. My focus was on math and physics, and I took part in national laboratory competitions. However, music has always been a part of my life, bringing me joy and balance during my time spent practicing.

At 16, I began considering music as a potential career, though I wasn’t sure it would become a reality. The turning point came when I moved to Slovakia to continue my studies, which gave me the opportunity to explore my passion for music more deeply. After forming a band, performing at various venues, and doing a few interviews, I realized that I could inspire others and bring them joy through my music.

The most pivotal change came when I chose to study music at Berklee College of Music, despite my background. This decision marked the start of an exciting new chapter in my life. Even now, this shift feels fresh, as music was always something I pursued on the side, and now it’s my main focus. I’m still working to find the right balance as I continue to navigate this new path.

But I know that no other path could bring me the same fulfillment as music. It gives me both purpose and challenge, engaging my mind with its complexity while allowing me to connect with and impact others. Through music, I can be my true self while dedicating my focus to something deeply meaningful. Choosing this path has given me a deeper sense of purpose and a stronger connection to my soul.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/___.rozhina___/
• Facebook: Rozhina Rajablou
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@rozhinarajabloo

Image Credits

Martin Abelovský
Alireza Khodayari